At YELLS, we believe youth aren’t just the future. They’re leaders today. This past year, the young people of Franklin Gateway and Fair Oaks proved just that, taking their neighborhoods into their own hands and transforming them with creativity, passion, and love. From our youngest K-5th grade changemakers in the…
At YELLS, we believe the power to transform a neighborhood lives within the people who call it home. This year, that power shone brightly through the parents who have joined hands with us to shape not just their children’s growth, but the future of their families and their community. Our…
At YELLS, we believe that building strong leaders starts with building a strong community where mentors, role models, and neighbors come together to support youth, and the Life University Women’s Rugby Team has become an invaluable part of that community. These incredible student athletes have brought their energy, discipline, and…
From the moment Jevyn Clark joined the YELLS Mentoring Program as a silly, but timid elementary school “Little,” he was watching, learning, and soaking it all in. He studied his “Big,” David, as he pitched service projects and brought ideas to life. That early exposure to mentorship and leadership planted…
At YELLS, we empower youth to serve and uplift their community, and it’s inspiring to see that spirit continue long after they graduate. Fozia Paracha, a former “Big” in our YELLS Mentoring Program from 2009–2011, is a shining example of paying it forward. After moving back to the area, Fozia…
When Chidubem joined YELLS last year, he brought his vibrant personality, full of positive energy and enthusiasm. At first, his eagerness sometimes made listening and following directions a challenge. He was so full of excitement he could hardly sit still. Chidubem has since turned those very traits into strengths, becoming…
Check out our 2024-2025 Impact Report and get inspired by the ways that together we have made a measurable difference for the youth and families of our shared community. Thank you for your investment and faith in YELLS that makes all of this possible. Our work is collaborative and our results…
When Ruth first joined the YELLS Afterschool Program, she faced a challenge that would intimidate many students her age: learning English as a second language. Reading felt like climbing a mountain, each page filled with obstacles. At YELLS, though, Ruth had learned the power of “yet,” and she knew that…
YELLS is blessed to have the support of incredible corporate partners like GDS Associates, Inc. Their team knows we are stronger together, and they share their time and gifts with us year after year, rolling up their sleeves to clean and transform our site each fall, providing holiday gifts for…
When Mr. Robin retired, he knew he wanted to use his extra time to make a difference. He had been a 5th grade teacher for three years during his early career, and he was searching “aggressively,” he says, for a place where he could continue to pour into the lives…
